5 Incredible Stops on the Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway is widely considered one of the most scenic drives in the world. This double lane highway carves through vast Canadian Rocky peaks and glaciers connecting Banff National Park and Jasper National Park. The views around every turn are absolutely jaw dropping and wildlife is everywhere. It is common to elk, mountain goats, moose, and even bears all throughout the drive.

The drive itself is around 3 hours from Lake Louise in Banff to Jasper, however, you will want to use the entire day. There are countless areas to pull over and take in the amazing views, but I have put together of the Top 5 can’t miss stops along the Icefields Parkway! Make sure to fill up with gas in Lake Louise Village before the drive as there is nothing but park restrooms (basically out-houses) for the 3 hour drive.

1. Athabasca River

The Athasbasca River actually follows the Icefields Parkway most of the drive. It is a glacier fed river that carves through the Canadian Rockies and is some of the freshest water you could find. Since the river follows the highway most of the drive, you can pull over and hike around the river at numerous locations. The Athabasca River is also home to numerous wildlife so keep your eyes peeled!

2. Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake is one of the most popular stops along the Icefields Parkway and for good reason. It is a glacier filled lake in Banff National Park that gives off the most amazing and vibrant blue color that it almost doesn’t feel real when you see it. From the parking lot, it is just a 1.5 mile out and back hike to get to Peyto Lake viewpoint. The hike is fairly easy so no need to get gear out for this one.

3. Bow Lake

Bow Lake is one of the largest lakes in Banff National Park and is about 30 minutes north of Lake Louise. This stop will be very shortly after Peyto Lake. The lake is fed by glacier melt from the Bow Glacier. Bow Lake is more of just a pull over and look stop as the parking lot is right next to the water. There is a restroom and park benches so this would be an awesome place to sit down for lunch! If you feel like getting a good hike in then you can hike the Bow Glacier Falls Trail which is a 5.5 mile out and back hike that starts at Bow Lake. The hike is rated as moderate difficulty.

4. Athabasca Falls

Athabasca Falls is located near Jasper and is an amazing location to stop and explore. The trail around the falls is only 0.5 miles and is for all levels. Athabasca Falls is a very powerful waterfall with amazing views of forests and mountains behind it. You can see the falls after just a short walk from the parking lot. If you continue further, the trail will take you down to the calm Athabasca River where you can hang out and climb on the rocks.

5. Athabasca Glacier

The Athabasca Glacier is an iconic stop along the Icefields Parkway. It is the most visited glacier in North America and an easy stop and hike from the parking lot. The glacier loses depth at a rate of 16 feet per year and has markers along the glacier showing where the depth used to be per year. Walking to the edge of the glacier is easy but walking on the glacier is NOT RECOMMENDED. There have been reported deaths of people falling through crevasses of the glacier because they did not have the proper equipment. Just follow the signs and you will be fine! This is a must see on the way to Jasper.

The Icefields Parkway has MANY stops beyond this top 5 list but I hope this helps if you wish to spend a day exploring! Don’t make the mistake of just driving straight through. Try to dedicate a full day to exploring everything there is to see on the Icefields Parkway!